How To Use CPT Code 60271

CPT 60271 describes the surgical procedure of thyroidectomy, specifically the removal of the thyroid gland including its extension into the thorax below the sternum. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 60271?

CPT 60271 is used to describe the surgical procedure known as thyroidectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the thyroid gland, including its extension into the thorax below the sternum. It is typically performed to remove malignant cancerous tissue or a larger goiter. The procedure requires a standard neck incision, separation of the skin and muscle flaps, division of the platysma muscle, and separation of the strap muscles from the midline. The provider then cuts and ties the thyroid arteries and veins, takes care to avoid injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, and gradually removes the thyroid gland. The procedure concludes with the closure of the overlying muscles and skin in layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 60271 is: ‘Thyroidectomy, including substernal thyroid; cervical approach.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. A standard neck incision is made in the lower part of the front of the neck, below the voice box.
3. The provider separates the skin into upper and lower flaps and divides the platysma muscle.
4. The strap muscles are separated from the midline.
5. The provider cuts and ties the thyroid arteries and veins.
6. Care is taken to avoid injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
7. The thyroid gland is gradually separated from the underlying structures.
8. The substernal part of the gland is explored through the thoracic inlet.
9. The thyroid gland is drawn up to the incised open area and removed.
10. The parathyroid gland is spared.
11. Hemostasis is achieved.
12. The overlying muscles and skin are closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 60271 is performed on patients who require the surgical removal of the thyroid gland, including its extension into the thorax below the sternum. This procedure is typically indicated for patients with malignant cancerous tissue or a larger goiter. It is important to note that the procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional with expertise in thyroidectomy.

5. When to use CPT code 60271

CPT code 60271 should be used when a thyroidectomy is performed, specifically when the procedure involves the removal of the thyroid gland, including its extension into the thorax below the sternum. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 60271, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Reason for the thyroidectomy, such as malignant cancerous tissue or a larger goiter
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the cervical approach and the removal of the thyroid gland, including its extension into the thorax below the sternum
• Specific incision site and length
• Steps taken to ensure patient safety, such as avoiding injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve
• Any complications encountered during the procedure
• Details of the closure of the overlying muscles and skin
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 60271, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. The procedure should involve the removal of the thyroid gland, including its extension into the thorax below the sternum, using a cervical approach. It is also important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or regulatory authorities.

8. Historical information

CPT 60271 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1995. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2002, with the addition of the term “substernal thyroid gland” to the code description.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, to remove malignant cancerous tissue.
2. A healthcare professional performs a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, to address a larger goiter.
3. A patient requires a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, due to the presence of malignant cancerous tissue.
4. A healthcare professional performs a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, to address a larger goiter.
5. A patient undergoes a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, to remove malignant cancerous tissue.
6. A healthcare professional performs a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, to address a larger goiter.
7. A patient requires a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, due to the presence of malignant cancerous tissue.
8. A healthcare professional performs a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, to address a larger goiter.
9. A patient undergoes a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, to remove malignant cancerous tissue.
10. A healthcare professional performs a thyroidectomy, including the removal of the substernal thyroid gland, using a cervical approach, to address a larger goiter.